Last nights spectacular concert starring Russian pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy was a fitting end to what has been described by many as the ‘best festival yet’!

Living in a country so far removed from the cultural centres of Europe and America can sometimes give one a feeling of detachment and it is weeks like this that help us to bridge that divide.

Sitting amongst the ‘almost capacity’ crowd in the Concert Chamber last night one could be forgiven for imagining that we were in London, Paris or New York.

We all need to thank the NZIPF’s Artistic Director – Prof Tamas Vesmas for his sterling efforts in bringing us such talents as Michael Houstoun, Konstanze Eickhorst, Denes Varjon and Ilya Rashkovskiy who have not only kept us spellbound all week with their performances but who have also given of their time with our own emerging pianists during their masterclasses.

From the NZIPF committee I would like to thank you all for your attendance and support.

As they say ‘there is no rest for the wicked’ and we look forward to bringing you the new Wallace National Piano Competition in early July.